Marine Environment and Resources (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
2 years
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)
Next course starts
September 2025

About this course

On this unique 2-year Marine Environment and Resources MSc, you’ll study at the University of Southampton and partner universities in France, Spain and Belgium. You’ll develop the in-depth knowledge and skills to assess and manage the marine environment, putting you in a great position for a successful career in the marine sector.

On this master’s course you’ll split your time between the University of Southampton and our partner universities in the Marine Environment and Resources (MER) Consortium

You’ll develop your ability to think through complex issues, analyse the marine environment and its resources, and ensure that marine development is sustainable. 

Through compulsory modules you’ll gain a thorough knowledge of biological, physical and chemical oceanography, as well as marine geology. 

A wide range of optional modules will allow you to develop your own specialism. Typical subjects include: 

  • integrated coastal zone management 
  • the assessment of marine ecosystem health 
  • protection and recovery of marine and estuary environments 
  • competitive and responsible fisheries management 

You could also choose to learn about topics such as deep sea ecology, large-scale ocean processes, and satellite oceanography. 

The course is taught in English, but you’ll be able to study local languages for free during your time with our partner universities. 

The course was created in response to the EU’s European Marine Strategy and Water Framework Directive, designed to better protect the European marine environment and the resources upon which marine-related economic and social activities depend. 

Fees for this course are paid through the MER Consortium. Find out about fees and how to pay them on the MER Consortium website.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader at the University of Southampton is Maria Cecilia D’Angelo, Associate Professor. Read Dr D'angelo’s staff profile to find out more about his work.

Course location

This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.